Two Types of Inulin Fructotransferases.

Kazutomo Haraguchi

doi:10.3390/ma4091543

Abstract

Inulin is a polysaccharide contained in chicory, dahlia, and other plants. An oligosaccharide DFA III is produced from inulin using a microbial enzyme, inulin fructotransferase (DFA III producing) [EC 2.4.1.93]. The oligosaccharide DFAIII has a unique functionality that accelerates the assimilation of minerals (Ca, Fe, and so on) from intestines. Therefore, it has a potential for the improvement of osteoporosis and iron deficiency anemia. The production of DFA III was industrialized in 2004 in Japan. Another oligosaccharide DFA I is produced from inulin by another enzyme, inulin fructotransferase (DFA I producing) [EC 2.4.1.200]. The oligosaccharide DFA I has half the sweetness of sucrose. The genes of the two enzymes were cloned and the nucleotide sequences were determined. The deduced amino acid sequences of two enzyme genes had a homology of 49.8%.

Highlights

In Japan, 600 thousand tons of sucrose is produced annually, from sugar beet produced in Hokkaido
We describe two types of enzymes, inulin fructotransferase
The enzyme converted inulin into an oligosaccharide DFA III and a small amount of other oligosaccharides

Summary

Introduction

In Japan, 600 thousand tons of sucrose is produced annually, from sugar beet produced in Hokkaido. There are two unique oligosaccharides, DFA III and DFA I, produced from inulin using a microbial enzyme. We describe two types of enzymes, inulin fructotransferase Producing), and inulin fructotransferase (DFA I producing). Afterwards, Uchiyama et al (1973) discovered a new type of inulin decomposing enzyme produced by Arthrobacter ureafaciens [1].

Results

Conclusion